KABUL - The elimination of violence against women was the focus of diverse discussions in western Herat and eastern Laghman provinces, broadcast on radio and television as part of a UNAMA-supported ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence’ campaign.

The campaign was launched in Afghanistan and globally with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) on 25 November. It involved UN agencies and their partners raising awareness about violence against women and mobilizing communities to advocate for social change.   

UNAMA-supported 16 Days outreach activities – which wrap up this week – have taken place in 13 provinces. Community leaders, activists, government officials, students and many others have participated in the events, while millions more have been reached via radio and television programming.

In Herat, women’s rights advocates went from school to school, accompanied by a crew from Traqi TV, engaging in awareness-raising activities. Some 2,000 female school students were involved in discussions on the important role of girls in building a better future for Afghanistan. 

Addressing hundreds of students in Sufla High School, Mahbobeh Jamshidi, Head of the provincial Women’s Affairs Department, urged girls to make education their highest priority: “Education can empower you to become an influential member of society.”

During a discussion with Somaya Sarwari, a women’s rights activist, Halimi, a female school student, highlighted the importance of strengthening girls’ rights under Afghan law.

Meanwhile, in Laghman, local radio station Khyber-Nawokht broadcast a roundtable discussion that focused on the Elimination of Violence Against Women legislation, including its enforcement.

The panelists – who included a religious scholar, civil society members, a women’s rights activist and provincial officials – discussed how to protect basic rights of women and girls, and ways to further empower women.

Women’s rights activist Mashal Safi welcomed the work that had been done to raise awareness about violence against women in urban areas and looked forward to this work extending to more remote areas of the country.

Religious scholar Mawlawi Zabihullah said that religious leaders have been playing a vital role to spread positive messages about women’s rights. “During Friday prayers, we regularly advise people to respect women, to avoid violence against women and to accord women their rights given by Islam,” said Mr. Zabihullah.

The United Nations is committed to supporting the Government of Afghanistan to ensure a life free of violence for women and girls, and their equal participation in public life.